Victoria Covid restrictions update: New rules for masks, work, travel
Restrictions are easing but strict rules remain over household visitors, trips away and going to the snow. All your questions answered.
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Victoria’s lockdown restrictions are easing from 11.59pm Tuesday.
The new rules will apply in both metro Melbourne and regional areas. The rules around private gatherings and large crowds and football at theatre will be reviewed in two weeks.
Here is what you need to know about the latest changes:
WHAT ARE THE REASONS TO LEAVE HOME?
The five reasons to leave home no longer apply.
MASK RULES
WHEN DO I HAVE TO WEAR A FACE MASK?
You must continue to wear a face mask at all times both indoors and outdoors.
SCHOOLS, UNI AND CHILDCARE
ARE SCHOOLS OPEN?
Schools will return from Wednesday for all year levels.
CAN I GO TO UNIVERSITY OR TAFE?
Higher education and training have been advised that if you can continue to learn remotely you should continue to do so.
IS CHILDCARE OPEN?
Childcare, kinders and family day care will remain open.
WORK RESTRICTIONS
CAN I GO TO WORK?
Offices can return to 25 per cent capacity but Premier Daniel Andrews has said if you can work from home then you should continue to ‘in the interests of every precaution to keep us safe’.
SUPERMARKETS, RETAIL AND SERVICE RULES
WHAT IF I NEED TO GO TO THE SUPERMARKET OR SHOPS?
Make sure you use the QR check-in upon entering and comply with density limits in retail stores.
WHAT STORES/BUSINESSES ARE ALLOWED TO OPEN?
Retail is allowed to reopen with density limits for stores and QR code check-ins.
RESTAURANT, CAFE, BAR PUB RESTRICTIONS
CAN I STILL GO OUT FOR DINNER OR A DRINK?
Yes, restaurants and cafes will be able to open for seated service with a maximum of 100 people indoors or outdoors and density limits of 1 person per 4sq m.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
HOW FAR CAN I GO FROM HOME?
The 5km travel limit no longer applies.
CAN I GO ON HOLIDAY?
Yes but there are strict rules around it. You cannot go on a joint holiday with other families using the same accommodation and you cannot have people visit you at that accommodation. Also keep in mind there are border restrictions with NSW.
CAN I GO TO THE SNOW?
Yes but alpine resorts will continue to require a negative Covid test result within 72 hours of arrival. Applies to everyone 12 years of age or older.
CAN I TRAVEL TO REGIONAL VICTORIA FROM MELBOURNE?
Yes and you can stay but must abide by the restrictions.
PUBLIC GATHERING RESTRICTIONS
CAN I HAVE A BBQ WITH MY MATES IN THE PARK?
Yes but there are limits on public gatherings of 10 people outdoors.
WILL CROWDS BE ALLOWED AT THE FOOTY, RACES OR THEATRE?
No crowds will not be allowed at any footy matches, races or theatre with this to be reviewed in two weeks.
HOME VISITS
CAN GUESTS VISIT MY HOME?
No, you must not have visitors to your home.
CAN MY INTIMATE PARTNER VISIT MY HOME?
Yes, this is an exception to the visitor rule.
I’M SINGLE. CAN I VISIT SOMEONE?
If you live alone and are single, you can form a “single bubble” with one other person.
You can visit this one person, and this one person only.
EXERCISE RESTRICTIONS
WHAT ARE THE RULES ON EXERCISE?
No, there are no travel or time limits on exercise.
CAN MY KIDS AND I STILL PLAY LOCAL SPORT?
Yes, all community sport will be resume but no spectators will be allowed and numbers are limited to those taking part in the activity and those required to facilitate it.
CAN I GO TO THE GYM?
Yes, gyms will reopen with density limits.
WHAT ABOUT POOLS, PLAY CENTRES AND OTHER SPORTS VENUES?
Physical recreation and sport can resume with a patron cap of 100 people per indoor space and 300 for outdoor spaces. Group limits of 10 apply.
ENTERTAINMENT AND LEISURE
CAN I TAKE MY KIDS TO THE LOCAL PARK OR PLAYGROUND?
Yes, but those aged over 12 should wear a mask and socially distance while there.
CAN I GO TO A HAIRDRESSER OR BEAUTY SALON?
Yes, they will reopen and masks can be taken off if required for the service.
CAN I GO TO THE CINEMA, CASINO OR OTHER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE?
Indoor entertainment venues can open with a maximum of 100 patrons and a group cap of 10. Outdoors this limit increases to 300. There is no patron cap for drive-ins provided they follow their Covid plans.
ARE NIGHTCLUBS OPEN?
Nightclubs can open with a cap of 100 patrons but dancefloors are closed.
WEDDINGS, FUNERALS, RELIGIOUS SERVICES
CAN I STILL GET MARRIED OR GO TO A WEDDING?
Weddings can resume but with a limit of 50 guests plus those conducting the ceremony.
WHAT ABOUT FUNERALS?
Funerals are also limited to 50 people and those necessary to conduct the service. Children under 12 months old are not counted towards this cap.
CAN I ATTEND CHURCH?
Religious gatherings can take place with up to 100 people indoors and 300 people outdoors with a density requirement of 1 person per 4sq m.
HOSPITAL AND AGED CARE VISITS
I’M IN THE HOSPITAL OR AN AGED CARE FACILITY. CAN I HAVE VISITORS?
Visitors in health care and aged care facilities are permitted but may be limited by individual venues and are restricted to reasons including: you are a parent or guardian, for physical or emotional support, to support care upon discharge and partners in maternity settings.
REAL ESTATE
CAN I BUY A HOUSE OR HOST AN INSPECTION?
Auctions can resume with a cap of 100 indoors or outdoors. Inspections can be made by private appointment up to a maximum of 10.
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